Brushmaking machine and method



Jan. 8, 1963 A. NORRIS BRUSHMAKING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed April 10, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 R. m m k M 0 V W m D u u A Q a Q\\ KN w\\ a 0 mm BQ\ O W\ hm NM. NM: Mum

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Jan. 8, 19-63 A. NORRIS BRUSHMAKING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed April 10, 196i 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 mmvrox, AIL/50 waif/r Mk km Affamzx Jlah'; 8, 1963 A. NORRIS 3,072,440

YBRUSHMAKING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed April 10, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. 4! FEED A/U/PE/J 4770mm)? I ted States Pat nt 3,072,440 BRUSHMAKING MACHINE AND METHOD Alfred Norris, RD. 3, Wyoming, Pa. Filed Apr. 10, 1961, Ser. No. 101,754 13 Claims. (Cl. 300-4) It is a more particular object ofthe present invention to provide apparatus of the type described which is more reliable in operation, more durable and longer-lasting in use, and which can be more economically manufactured, installed, operated and maintained.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide apparatus having the advantageous characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraphaand wherein, reciprocating and oscillating parts are eliminated or minimized, and wherein controls are highly simplified.

. Another object of the present invention resides in the provision of a unique method and apparatus wherein a cylindrical brush of the type described, or like prodnet, is produced with great accuracy, both as to length of the cylindrical formation and circularity thereof.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a greatly improved and highly simplified bristlefeeding mechanism, and drive means therefor.

The instant invention contemplates the provision of apparatus and method for producing brushes and the like by feeding bristles between continuous wires and subsequent twisting of the wires to secure the bristles in place, wherein difiiculties heretofore experienced in maintaining bristles between the wires prior to twisting are eliminated, as are defective products resulting from slipping of bristles from their proper position between the wires before twisting of the latter.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings, which formya material part of this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, and combinations and arrangements of elements and method steps, which will hereinafter be described, and of which the scope will be indicated by the appended claims. I

. In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view showing. brushmaking apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view showing the apparatus of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional elevational view taken substantially along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional bottom view taken substantially along the line 44 of FIGURE 2;

I FIGURE. 5, is a sectional elevational view taken sub Siantially along theline 55v of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged elevational viewshowing a chuck construction of the instant apparatus, partly in section for clarity of understanding;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 7-7 of FIGURE 2, greatly enlarged for clarity;

FIGURE 8 isa sectional view taken substantially; along the line 8-8 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 99 of FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 10-l0 of FIGURE 8. 1 Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to FIGURES 1-3, a generally horizontal table or bed is supported in elevated condition by upstanding legs 21 at the left, input end of the table, and. legs 22 at the right,output or discharge end of the table, as seen in FIGURE 2. A pair of horizontally disposed rails or ways 23 and 24 are secured at their leftward ends, as by blocks 25 and 26, to respective legs 22, and extend rightward therefrom in the output direction where they may be supported by any suitable standard or leg construction (not shown). The ways 23 and 24, the former being forward and the latter being rearward as seen in FIGURE 2,, may be located at an elevation below that of the table 20.

Bristle-feeding means is provided on the table 20 and includes a bristle-supply reservoir or trough mounted on the table 20 by supports 31 and extending generally horizontally, generally longitudinally of the table and obliquely forward toward the right or output end of the table. That ,is, the troughlike bristle reservior 30 has its discharge end open facing obliquely forward and toward the output'cnd of the apparatus. A quantity of lbristles 32 is shown in the supply reservoir 3-3, the bristles being disposed generally vertically; and, a bristle pusher 33 is slidable in the reservoir to urge the bristles toward the discharge end thereof, being biased toward the discharge end by a weight 34, see FIGURE 2. That is, an angulate arm or bell crank 35 is pivoted at 36. to the table 20 and connected by a link 37 to an upstanding handle 38 carried by the pusher 33. Thus, the pusher 33 is biased'toward the discharge end of the supply reservoir 30, and the pusher may be retracted manually for replenishing the bristle supply.

A generally horizontally disposed picker wheel 40 is arranged proximate to and extending partially across. the open discharge end of the bristle supply 30, being mounted on the table 20 for rotation about the generally vertical axis of shaft 41. In FIGURE 1 it will be observed that the picker wheel 40 is provided at circumferentially spaced locations about its periphery with a plurality of cutouts or notches 42, the depth of which are adjustable by plates 43. In FIGURE 2 it will be observed that the shaft 41 of picker wheel 40 depends below the table 20 where it is provid d with a spur gear 44.

A generally horizontal feed wheel or disc 46, substantially coplanar with and rearward of the picker-wheel 40 is mounted on the table 20 by a generally vertical, rotary shaft 47 which depends beneath the table and there. carries a sprocket wheel 48, see FIGURE 42 The feedwheel 46 extends partially across the open discharge end of bristle-supply trough 30, and has its periphery adjacent to but spaced from the periphery of picker wheel 40. Thus, the picker wheel 40 extends partially across the discharge end of the bristle-supply trough 30, on the forward side thereof, while the feed wheel 46 extends partially across the open discharge end of the bristle-supply trough on the rearward side thereof; and further, picker-wheel rotation is clockwise in the plan view of FIGURE 1 while feed-wheel rotation is counterclockwise, so that the peripheral portions of the picker and feed wheels extending across the discharge end'of the bristle-supply trough converge toward each other in the direction of bristle movement fromthe supply trough. Interposed between proximate peripheral regions of the picker and feed wheels 4% and 46, and clos-' ing the space therebe-tween, is a fixed abutment 50; The abutment 50 engages and closes the space between the peripheries of picker and feed wheels 40 and 46, and may be fixedly mounted on the table 20 by pedestals 51.

Located just rightward of the picker wheel 40, see FIG- URES l and 2, is a horizontally disposed pinwheel 53 mounted in elevated relation over the table 20 for rotation about the generally vertical axis of shaft 54. The pinwheel, see FIGURE 2, is provided with a circumferential trough or recess 55, which defines on opposite sides thereof a pair of upper and lower radially outstanding rims or flanges 56 and 57, respectively. As best seen in FIGURE 2, the upper peripheral, radial flange 56 is located in a plane above the plane of picker wheel 40, while the lower radial flange 57 is located in a plane below that of the picker wheel. An annular groove 58 is formed in the annular recess or trough 55.

Provided on the radially outer edges of the radially projecting flanges 56 and 57 are a plurality of circumferentially spaced pins 59 and 60. That is, the pins 59 extend from the radially outer edge of the radial flange 56 in a direction angularly forward with respect to the direction of pinwheel rotation, as indicated by the arrow 61 in FIGURE 1. The pins 60 similarly extend angularly forward from the radially outer edge of lower flange 57, so that the upper pins 59 project over the proximate region of picker wheel 40, while the pins 60 project beneath the proximate region of the picker wheel.

On the lower end of shaft 54 carrying the pinwheel 53, beneath the table 20, there is operatively connected a oneway clutch 63. That is, the one-way clutch 63 is connected on its output side to the shaft 54 to rotate the latter in one direction only. An extension of the shaft 54 depends beneath the clutch 63 at 64, and is provided with a sprocket wheel 65, and a spur gear 66. The shaft extension 64, and its sprocket wheel 65 and spur gear 66 are similarly connected to the output of clutch 63, while a spur gear 67 is shown as coaxial with the clutch, and is operatively connected to the input side thereof in driving relation therewith.

The sprocket wheel 65 is positively connected in driving relation with the lower end of shaft 47 by a sprocket chain, and the spur gear 66 is in meshing engagement with the pinion 44 of the shaft 41.

A generally horizontally disposed bristle-guide member or plate 70 is located in overlapping relation with the picker wheel 40, in the region thereof proximate to the pinwheel 53. Further, the guide member 70 includes an arcuate surface or edge 71 extending generally along the peripheries of flanges 56 and 57, spaced radially outward therefrom and located between the upper and lower pins 56 and 57. The horizontal guide member or plate 70 may be supported in the desired position by any suitable means, such as pedestal 72 on the table 20.

Bristle-feed-control means is located just leftward of the picker wheel 40, above the table 20, and includes a control arm 75 having one end, its leftward end, pivoted at a fixed, vertical pivot 76, which may be mounted by a bracket 77, in the fixed bristle-supply trough 30. The control arm 75 extends rightward from its pivotal mounting 76 and has its rightward portion bifurcated to form a pair of upper and lower, arcuate legs 78 and 79 respectively above and below the picker wheel 40. Further, the legs 77 and 78 are curved or arcuate generally having a center of curvature approximating the rotary axis of shaft 41 carrying the picker wheel, with the bifurcated legs located proximate to the discharge open end of the bristle-supply trough 30. Thus, the legs 78 and 79 are swingable with the control arm 75 about the pivot 76 to extend partially across the discharge or outlet end of the bristle-supply trough, thereby engaging bristles in the supply trough and preventing their movement into the notches 42 of the picker wheel.

An actuating cylinder 80 for the control arm 75 may be mounted on the table 20, and may be pneumatically or hydraulically operated, as through conduits 81. A longitudinally shiftable piston rod 82 extends from the cylinder 80, and is pivotally connected to one end of an arm 83 which has its other end swingably mounted, as at 84 at the table top. A link 85 is pivotally connected at its opposite ends between the arm 83 and control arm to effect swinging of the latter upon actuation of the cylinder 80.

Leftward of the cylinder and its piston rod 82 are a pair of spaced, horizontally disposed rollers, wheels or pulleys 88 and 89. The roller 88 is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis on an upstanding pedestal or support 90 fixed to the table 20. Similarly, the roller 89 is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis on an upstanding support or pedestal 91 fixed to the table top 20. The roller 88 is located leftward of the roller 89; and further, the roller 88 is located at an elevation just slightly above that of the roller 89, see FIGURE 2, while the rollers 88 and 89 are both located substantially tangent to a line extending longitudinally of the table top or bed.

A pair of generally parallel rollers, pulleys or wheels 92 and 93 are located proximate to the pinwheel 53, and are in substantially the same horizontal plane, preferably coplanar with the plane of pinwheel groove 58. As best seen in FIGURE 1, the rollers 92 and 93 are located rearward, or above the pinwheel 53 as shown in the plan view of FIGURE 1.

A protective shield 94 is fixed to the table top or bed 20 rightward of the pinwheel 53, extending partially thereabout, see FIGURE 1; and, the shield may be secured in position by any suitable means, such as depending legs 95 secured to the table top. At its forward end, the shield or guard 94 carries a wire guide 95, preferably provided with one or more guide elements 96, each of which may have a horizontally, forwardly facing cutout or groove 97, see FIGURE 3. An additional wire guide 99 is located forward of the wire guide 95, being supported in elevated relation on the table 20 by a suitable support or pedestal 100. On its rearward side, the wire guide 99 may be formed with an open-ended grooved configuration 101, facing toward the cutouts or grooves 97, for a purpose appearing presently.

A single wire supply or reel 103 may be located rearward of the table top 20, for supplying an elongate flexible element or wire 104. The wire 104 passes from its supply coil 103 over the rollers 92 and 93, successively, and thence along the pinwheel groove 58 between the pinwheel and picker wheel 40, passing from the pinwheel generally rightward through the cutouts 97 of wire-guide elements 96.

An additional wire-supply reel or coil 106 maybe located leftward of the table or bed 20, providing an elongate, continuous element or wire 107 passing over the roller 88 and thence horizontally rightward through the cutout 101 of wire guide 99. Still another wire-supply reel or coil 109 may be located in the leftward region of the apparatus, presenting a continuous elongate element or wire 110 for passage over the roller 89. The wire 110 extends horizontally rightward from the roller 89, substantially parallel to and directly beneath the wire 107 through and beyond the wire-guide cutout 101.

It is understood that the wire-supply reels 103, 106 and 109, and the wire-guiding rollers 92, 93, 88 and 89 are representative of and may include wire-tensioning and -straightening means, as desired.

Mounted on the ways or rails 23 and 24, for back-andforth movement longitudinally therealong, is a carriage 112. That is, the carriage 112 is freely slidable longitudinally along the ways 23 and 24 toward and away from the table top 20 and the hereinbefore-described apparatus carried by the table top. An arm or plate 113 depends from the underside of carriage 112 adjacent to the rearward rail 24. Horizontally leftward of the lower end region of arm or plate 113, a generally horizontal, longitudinally extending cylinder 114 is fixedly supported in spaced relation below the table top 20 by suitable supporting structure 115 fixed to the legs or 'j'ourn'al bearings 154.

frame elements 21 and 22, The cylinder 114 is preferably hydraulically actuated, as through fluid conduits 1'16 and 117. A piston rod 118 extends horizontally from the rightward end of cylinder'114 and is connected, as by a pivoted clevis 119 to the depending arm or plate 113. A suitable source of fluid under pressure (not shown) may be applied selectively through the conduits 116 and 117 to the cylinder 114 for effecting rightward extension and leftward retraction of the piston rod 118, which in turn moves the carriage 112 rightward away il'Om the table top 20 or leftward toward the latter. An elongate toothed member or rack 120 extends longitudinally of and beneath the table top or bed 20, being supported therebeneath for longitudinal sliding movement by a suitable hanger or support 121 suspended from the bed 20 and secured to a leg 22. The rack 120 has its rightward end secured fast to the carriage 112, as by fasteners 122; and, the rack is in meshing engagement with the drive gear 67 for effecting rotation of the latter upon longitudinal reciprocation of the rack with the carriage.

Mounted on the carriage 112, facing leftward toward the hereinbefore-described mechanism ,superposed on the bed 20, is a chuck, generally designated 125. The chuck may be carried by a shaft 126 extending longitudinally of the apparatus and journaled in a pair of longitudinally spaced pillow blocks or rotary bearings 127, The chuck proper is on the leftward end of the shaft 126 and may include a pair of openable jaws 129 facing toward the wire guides 95 and 99 and adapated to be actuated for opening-and-closing movement by levers 130, each pivoted intermediate its ends, as at 131, to an outer chuck casing 132. The rightward ends of the levers 130 are connected together by tensionspring means 133 tending to swing the levers in a manner to open the jaws 129. A conical sleeve 134 is slidable longitudinally between the rightward ends of the levers 139, to spread the latter upon leftward movement for closing the chuck, and permit opening movement of the chuck jaws upon rightward movement of the sleeve. The sleeve includes an annular groove formation 135 on its rightward end.

A pedestal journal 136 is mounted on the carriage 112 beneath the chuck 125, and specifically beneath the conical sleeve 13.4. A lever 137 is pivotally mounted on the pedestal 136 for rotation about the axis of a transverse, generally horizontal pivot pin 138. The upper end region 139 of lever 136 is bifurcated and provided with lugs or pins 140 engaging in the sleeve groove 135, on oppos ifi sides thereof. The lower end region 141 of the lever 137 is pivoted, as at 142, to the forward end of a piston rod 143 slidable in a fluid-actuated piston 144. The piston 144 may be hydraulic, or pneumatic,

and is mounted on the carriage 112 for movement therewith, including conduits 145 and 146 for the passage f actuating fluid.

Thus, it will be appreciated that actuation of the cylinder 144 to move the piston rod 143 rightward," as seen in FIGURE 6, effects closure of the chuck jaws 1 while extension of the piston rod'causes rightward moven ent of the sleeve 13.4, as in FIGURE 2, and opens th h ck jaws.-

Rish a d of he pil q acks .2 mounted o th carriage 112, is a standard 149, which carries a hydraulic m tor 15 o'p t ve y ccnn te n r in rela n it the chuck-carrying shaft 126 to rotate the latter. The

" yd aulic mo o ay inclu fl i c n ui mean ;standard 153 longitudinally of the apparatus, there may be provided a pair of forwardly and rearwardly spaced A generally horizontal, forwardly and rearwardly extending roller 155 may be journaled in the bearings 154, and carry coiled thereabout an elongate, flexible support strip 156. The roller 155 is preferably urged in the direction of angular rotation tending to wind or coil the support strip 156 about the roller, say in the manner of a shade roller, or the like. The free end of the support strip 156 extends horizontally, in spaced relation beneath the wires 104, 107 and 110 after their passage through the wire guides 95 and 99, to the standard 153, where it is anchored, say byfasteners 157. Thus, upon longitudinal reciprocation of the carriage 112, the flexible support, belt or strip 156 is extended and retracted with respect to its coiling roller 155.

One one side of the ways or rails 23 and 24, say on the rearward side thereof, there may be mounted suitable means for gripping, holding and cutting the wires 104, 107 and 110, as in a mechanism or structure generally designated 160. More specifically, an upstanding mounting bracket 161 may be secured to the rearward side of the read rail 24 and carry a body or housing 162 extending toward and terminating shortof the wires 104, 107 and 110. On its leftward side as seen in FIGURE 1, the housing or body 162 may be provided with an undercut slot, see FIGURE 8, having a reduced horizontal portion 163 and opening at its forward end in an enlarged horizontal portion 164. A block or crosshead 165 rides in the reduced slot portion 163,

fluid-conduit means 173 for actuating the cylinder 172,

and a piston rod 174 connected to the rear cross head 165. Upon operation of the cylinder 172 to extend the piston rod 174 from its illustrated, retracted position, the pair of links 169 move from the relatively narrow slot region 163 to the relatively wide slot region 164,

thereupon spreading or diverging at theirforward ends. The forward crosshead'166 and the gripping levers 167 are simultaneously moved forward, the latter extending to a position respectively above and below the group of wires 104, 107 and 110. At this position of extension of the gripping levers 167, their rear ends are spread apart by spreading action of the links 169, causing their forward ends to firmly clamp or grip upon the group of wires. Of course, upon retraction rearward of the piston rod 174, the above-described procedure is reversed, and the mechanism again resumes its rearwardly retracted, illustrated condition of FIGURE 8. In the rightward region of the body 162, there is pro- 'vided a horizontally disposed, longitudinally slid-able rod 177 carrying on its forward end :a generally U-shaped receiving member or fork 178,. On the rearward side of the body 162 there is mounted a-fiuid-operated cylinder 179, having fluid-conduit means and provided with piston means connected to the rod 177 for-shifting the latter forwardly and rearwardly upon operation of the cylinder. This is best seen in FIGURE 9, where. will be observed that the holding fork 178 is movable upofn forward extension of the rod 177 to conformably receive and revent twistin movement of the wires 104, 107 and 110. Of course, the rod 177 is rearwardly retractable upon operation of the cylinder 179 to disengage the previously received wires. i

Medially between the gripping mechanism of FIGURE 8, and the holding mechanism of EiGURE 9, there may be provided in the body 162 a cutting mechanism, as seen in FIGURE 10. The cutting mechanism may be similar 'to the gripping mechanism, there being formed in the body 162 a generally horizontal slot having a reduced rear portion 183 and opening into an enlarged forward portion or mouth 184. A rear block or crosshead 185 may be slidable in the rear slot portion 183, and a forward crosshead or block 186 slidable in the forward slot portion 184. Pivotally connected to the forward crosshead 186 are a pair of cutting levers 187. That is, the pair of cutting levers 187 are disposed in side-by-side spaced relation and each pivoted inter-mediate its ends, as by pivots 188 to the forward crosshead 186. A pair of links 189 are pivoted at their rear ends, as by pivot pin 190, to the rear crosshead 185, and the links are pivoted at their forward ends, each to the rear end of a respective cutting lever 187, as by pivot pins 191.

On the rear side of the body 161 may be mounted a fluid-operated cylinder 192, having fluid-conduit means 193 and a forwardly extensile and retractile piston rod 194 which is connected at its forward end to the rear crosshead 185. As illustrated in FIGURE 10, the cutting levers 187 of the cutting mechanism are in retracted, noncutting condition. However, upon forward movement of the piston rod 194, the crossheads 185 and 186 are shifted forward, and the cutting levers 187 are extended to a position with their forward, cutting ends respectively above and beneath the group of wires 104, 107 and 110. At such time, the links 187 are expanding by their movement into the enlarged forward slot region 184, effecting spreading of the rear ends of cutting levers 187. This brings the forward cutting ends of the cutting levers 187 together for cutting engagement with the wires 104, 107 and 110.

While the particular controls employed in the instant method and aparatus may be widely varied without departing from the scope of this invention, such controls may include a limit switch 200 which may be mounted on the rail 23 for engagement by the carriage 112 in its leftmost position. Also, one or more stops 201 may be adjustably secured along the rail 23, for a purpose appearing presently. Carried by the carriage 112, forwardly outward thereof, may be a double limit switch 202 having a pair of depending actuation rods or fingers 203 and 204, the latter being located forward of the former, as seen in FIGURE 5. Also, a pair of stop elements or cams 205 and 206 may be fixed to the rail 23 for respective engagement with the switch fingers 203 and 204. Also, it will be noted, see FIGURE 5, that the stop element 201 is operative to actuate the switch finger 204, and offset to prevent actuation of the switch element 203.

In operation, say from the point with the carriage 112 at its leftmost position in engagement with the limit switch 200, the chuck jaws 129 are open and closed to grasp the free ends of wires 104, 107 and 110. Engagement of the switch 200 has served to actuate the cylinder 144 for closing the chuck jaws, and also to reverse fluid flow to the cylinder 114 causing rightward movement of the carriage 112. Of course, the rack 120 moves rightward with the carriage 112 in meshing engagement with the drive gear 67 to rotate the latter counterclockwise, as seen from above. In this direction of rack movement, the clutch 63 is engaged with the shaft 54 of the pinwheel 53, and the shaft extension 64 carrying sprocket wheel 65 and gear 66. Thus, upon rightward carriage movement, the picker wheel 40 is caused to rotate clockwise, see FIGURE 1, by meshing gears 66 and 44, the feed wheel 46 being rotated counterclockwise by the sprocketchain connection 69 between sprocket wheels 65 and 47, and the pinwheel 53 being rotated counterclockwise on the shaft 54.

As the picker wheel 40 rotates clockwise, and the notches 42 each pass successively across a portion of the open end of bristle-supply trough 30, the notches receive a predetermined quantity of bristles. That is, the bristles 32 pass into each notch 42 to the full depth thereof, as adjusted by the plates 43, the bristles being urged toward the trough discharge end by the pusher 33. As each notch 42 moves past the fixed abutment 50, the latter rides over and closes the open end of the respective notch to limit the delivery by each notch of a predetermined quantity of bristles.

While the bristles 32 are urged into the notches 42 by the pusher 33, the feeder wheel 46 effectively aids in insuring that a steady flow of bristles continues and that jamming does not occur. This action is accomplished by peripheral engagement of the feed wheel 46 with the bristles along the circumferential portion of the feed wheel opposite to the circumferential portion of the picket wheel extending partially across the discharge opening of the trough 30. Thus, the facing circumferential portions of the feed wheel 46 and picker wheel 40 converge in the direction away from the discharge of the trough 30 toward the abutment 50, and move in the direction of their convergence, so that continuous, steady feeding of bristles is accomplished to successive notches 42 as they are presented, and the notches effect removal of equal or constant quantities of bristles at equal intervals.

The speed of rotation of the picker wheel 40 is greater than that of the pinwheel 53, being synchronized so that each successive notch 42 meets with the space between an adjacent pair of pins 59. A the pins 60 are in respective alignment axially of the pinwheel 53 with the pins 59, each successive notch will therefore also meet with a successive space between adjacent pins 60. At the region of proximity or meeting of the notches 42 with the spaces between adjacent pins 59 and 60, the bristle guide or plate 70 is located with its arcuate surface 71 positioned to engage bristles in the notches and guide the bristles into the spaces between the pins 59 and 60. That is, the guide late 70 guides bristles to the pinwheel 53, so that the bristles extend generally vertically acros the circumferential recess 59 in engagement with the peripheral edges of radial flanges 56 and 57. In this condition, the bristles ride with the pinwheel 53 forwardly along the bristleguide surface 71.

As noted hereinbefore, a portion of the wire 104 extends partially about the pinwheel 53 in the pinwheel groove 58. This wire portion is therefore located radially inward of the bristles being carried by the pinwheel. On the forward side of the pinwheel 53, the wire 104 leaves the groove 58, substantially tangent to the pinwheel, and rearward of the bristles being carried by the pinwheel. Also, the wires 107 and 110 pass the forward side of the pinwheel 53, spaced forward from and parallel to the wire 104. The pair of wires 107 and 110 are also located forward of the bristles being carried by the pinwheel, so that the pinwheel carries bristles in vertical disposition into the space between the rearward wire 104, and the pair of forward wires 107 and 110.

As best seen in FIGURE 7, the wire 104 may be of relatively large diameter, while the wires 107 and 110 may be of relatively small diameter. In practice, the wire 104 may be of a diameter twice that of each wire 107 and 110. The wire guides and 99 serve to hold the wire 104 in close facing relation with the pair of vertically superposed wires 107 and 110, preferably with the axis of relatively large wire 104 in a horizontal plane extending substantially between the superposed wires 107 and 110. In this manner, it is assured that the bristles, as at 210 in FIGURE 7 are held vertically between the wires. Further, falling of the bristles 210 from between the wires 104 and'107, 110 is prevented by supporting engagement of the belt or strip 156 with the lower ends of the bristles. Engagement of the lower bristle ends by the belt or strip 156 also serves to properly vertically position and align the bristles, so that a resultant brush product will be of clean cylindrical configuration.

Upon continued rightward drawing of the wires 104, 107 and 110, and feeding of bristles as described hereinbefore, a continuous wall of bristles is provided between the drawn wires. However, if it is desired to provide interruptions in the wall of bristles between the drawn wires, this may be accomplisled entirely automatically by actuation of the bristle-feed-control arm 75. More particularly, the stop element 201 is positioned on the rail 23 in a selected location, and actuates the switch finger 204, which energizes the cylinder 80 to swing the control arm 75 radially outward of the picker wheel 40 and prevent entry of bristles into the notches 42. Of course, this stops the feeding of bristles to the pinwheel 53. Any desired number, length and location of stops 201 may be employed, as desired.

When the carriage 112 reaches a selected rightward position, as determined by location of the stop or cam 205, the switch finger 203 is actuated. By suitable electrical and fluid connections (not shown), switch finger 203 stops movement of piston rod 118 and actuates cylinders 172 and 179 to extend and close the vise ja'ws 167 on the wires 104, 107 and 110, and also to extend the holding member 178 to nonrotatably embrace the several wires. Actuation of the switch finger 203 further serves to effect rotation of the chuck 125, which rotation is terminated by a timer or turn counter (not shown). Upon termination of chuck rotation, the timer on turn counter may be employed to actuate the cylinder 192 to extend and close the cutting arms 187 for severing the wires 104, 107 and 110. The chuck jaws 129 may then be opened, and the cylinders 172, 179 and 192 oppositely actuated to return the vise mechanism, holding member and cutoff arms rearward, thereby permitting a coiled brush element to fall between the ways 23 and 24.

The cylinder 114 is then operated to move the carriage 112 leftward into engagement with the stop 200, for repetition of the above-described cycle of operation. Upon leftward movement of the carriage 112, the clutch 63 disengages the drive gear 67 from the shaft 54 and the shaft extension 64, so that there is no operation of the bristlefeeding mechanism.

While certain details of the electrical and fluid controls have been omitted, for simplicity and clarity, it is understood that any suitable combination and arrangement of control elements to effect the above-described operation of the instant apparatus may be employed.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing brushes and the like which fully accomplish the intended objects and are well-adapted to meet practical conditions of use.

Although the present'invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. 'In brushmaking apparatus, the combination comprising means for supporting laterally spaced wires, means for supporting bristles in upstanding relation between said wires, and means for twisting the wires to lock the bristles between the wires.

2. Brushmaking apparatus according to claim 1, in combination with means for feeding bristles in upstanding relation between said wires and onto said bristle-supporting means.

3. In brushmaking apparatus, the combination comprising means for supporting laterally spaced wires, means for supporting bristles in upstanding relation between said wires, means for twisting the wires to lock the bristles between the wires, and means for feeding bristles in upstanding relation between said wires and onto said bristlesupporting means, said bristle-supporting means being located beneath said wires supported by said wire-supporting means and extending substantially to said bristlefeeding means for supporting engagement with the lower ends of upstanding bristles fed between said wires formaintaining verticle alignment of bristles between said wires until twisting.

4. Brushmaking apparatus according to claim 1, said wire-supporting means comprising means for supporting at least one wire, and additional means for supporting at least two parallel superposed wires laterally spaced from said one wire, said superposed wires cooperating with said one wire to maintain said intermediate bristles in substantial coplanarity.

5. A bristle-feeding mechanism comprising a bristlesupply holder adapted to contain a quantity of parallel bristles and having a discharge opening for discharging bristles, a continuously rotatable picker wheel having its 'axis generally parallel to said bristles and having a pcripheral region extending partially across and facing toward said discharge opening, said picker wheel being formed with peripheral openings for receiving bristles upon movement past said discharge opening, and a continuously rotatable feeder wheel having its axis generally parallel to said bristles and having a peripheral region extending partially across said discharge and facing generally toward said discharge and the periphery of said picker wheel to urge bristles toward the latter.

6. A bristle-feeding mechanism according to claim 5, said picker and feeder wheels being arranged with their facing peripheral regions converging in the direction away from said discharge opening.

7. A bristle-feeding mechanism according to claim 6, in combination with means for rotating said picker and feeder wheels so that their facing peripheral regions move in convergent relation away from said discharge.

8. A bristle-feeding mechanism according to claim 7, in combination with a fixed abutment interposed between the facing peripheral regions of said picker and feeder wheels to prevent passage :therebetween of said bristles.

9. A bristle-feeding mechanism according to claim 8, in combination with bristle-feed-control means normally located radially inward of the facing peripheral region of said picker wheel, and mounting means mounting said feedcontrol means for movement toward said discharge to engage said bristles and prevent their reception in said picker-wheel openings.

10. In brushmaking apparatus, the combination comprising means for supporting a pair of laterally spaced wires free at their lead ends, means for feeding upstanding bristles between said wires, means for drawing the wires by the free ends a selected distance from said supporting means, bristle-feed-control means for disabling said bristle-feeding means and means for actuating said bristlefeed-control means at a selected position of drawing of said wires, said bristle-feeding means comprising a bristlesupply holder adapted to contain a quantity of parallel upstanding bristles and having a discharge opening for discharging bristles, a continuously rotatable picker wheel having its axis generally parallel to said bristles and having a peripheral region extending partially across and facingtoward said discharge opening, said picker wheel being formed with peripheral openings for receiving bristles upon movement past said discharge opening, and a continuously rotatable feeder wheel having its axis generally parallel to said bristles and having a peripheral region extending partially across said discharge opening and facing generally toward said discharge opening and the periphery of said picker wheel to urge bristles toward the latter. l

11. Brushmaking apparatus according to claim 10, said b-r-istle-feed-control means comprising an arm normally located radially inward of the facing peripheral region of said picker wheel and mounted for movement toward said discharge opening to engage said bristles and prevent their reception in said picker-wheel openings, and said actuating means including sensing means operative to move said arm toward said discharge opening and mounted for movement with said wire-drawing means, and trip means selectively positionable along the path of movement of said 1 1 wire-drawing means for operating said sensing means at a desired position of drawing of said wire.

12. In the method of making brushes, the steps which comprise: providing at least one first wire, providing at least two second wires in parallelism with each other and in laterally spaced parallelism with said first wire, interposing upstanding bristles in the space between, and in engagement with said first and second wires, and twisting said first and second wires.

13. In the method of making brushes, the steps which comprise: providing at least one first wire, providing at least two second wires in parallelism with each other and in spaced parallelism with said first wire, arranging said first wire in horizontally spaced relation with respect to and in engagement with said first and second wires, supporting said bristles by engagement with their lower ends, and twisting said first and second wires.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,716,581 Elliot June 11, 1929 1,897,968 Cave Feb. 14, 1933 2,712,473 Hertzberg July 5, 1955 2,903,299 Marks Sept. 8, 1959 

1. IN BRUSHMAKING APPARATUS, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING MEANS FOR SUPPORTING LATERALLY SPACED WIRES, MEANS FOR SUPPORTING BRISTLES IN UPSTANDING RELATION BETWEEN SAID WIRES, AND MEANS FOR TWISTING THE WIRES TO LOCK THE BRISTLES BETWEEN THE WIRES.
 12. IN THE METHOD OF MAKING BRUSHES, THE STEPS WHICH COMPRISE: PROVIDING AT LEAST ONE FIRST WIRE, PROVIDING AT LEAST TWO SECOND WIRES IN PARALLELISM WITH EACH OTHER AND IN LATERALLY SPACED PARALLELISM WITH SAID FIRST WIRE, INTERPOSING UPSTANDING BRISTLES IN THE SPACE BETWEEN, AND IN ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID FIRST AND SECOND WIRES, AND TWISTING SAID FIRST AND SECOND WIRES. 